ONE ROOM, THREE WAYS: LIVING ROOM

The furniture stays the same, but the look is transformed

The living room is probably the most versatile space in a home. It's the room most often visited by friends, family and other guests. You can create the living room you want without breaking the bank. Here are three very different designs that all use the same furniture, but rely on slipcovers, accessories and color to change the look. Which one is your favorite?

1. Natural Neutral. A palette of neutrals – rich layers of khaki and white – suggests calm and balance. Linen lampshades, carved candlesticks, a tall ceramic vase and a gold feather-decorated silky throw pillow all help create a quiet but luxurious space. I think this design shows that neutral rooms don’t have to be cold or blah. Here, the tone-on-tone color scheme and the round shapes make the room peaceful and inviting, not boring.

2. Unconventional Cool. I started with a color palette that was meant to suggest elements of Mother Nature - trees and sky, sea and shore. This created color combinations that look fresh. Next, I added a garden motif with lattice-pattern slipcovers, botanical-inspired throw pillows, and a ribbed chenille sofa in moss green. Watery blue batik pillows and blue-glazed pottery vases bring the wall color into the room. Textures, shapes, patterns, and color all work together here to create a hip, friendly living space.



3. Bold Glamour. You can slather on the lipstick red – I mean, don’t hold back – to create a bold look that feels fashionable and fun. To add a sophisticated snap, I chose crisp, graphic textiles for the black-and-white slipcovers, and accessorized with sleek black lampshades, lacquered candlesticks, and table tray. The domino-decorated boxes and funny mantle monkey are meant to bring some playful elements into the mix and make for a cool, jazzy scene.

ONE ROOM, THREE WAYS: BEDROOM

Small changes yield big results in this dining room makeover

With the right basic pieces, you can mix up the look of any room to match your own personal style. For this dining room, I started with my Costa Del Mar furniture from Sears. You’ll notice the furniture has very straight lines, a sleek finish and brushed metal legs.

With the furniture as my foundation, I swapped out paint colors and accessories to create three very different designs. I hope this shows how you have endless options for dressing up a room to fit your personality. Which room is your favorite?

1. Citrus green and bright orange are some of my favorite colors and make a jazzy combo that complements the warm tone of the furniture. I took some old picture frames and gave them a new finish to use as wall décor (a good inexpensive trick!). I also chose a bamboo rug for an earthy vibe while the punches of white brighten the space.

2. The overall color palette of turquoise with a mixture of cool patterns on the wall and floor make this room look stylish and fun. I added some small bursts of yellow for extra flair. Those designs on the wall are actually wall decals. They’re a nice alternative to wallpaper because you can change them out for a new look if the mood strikes.



3. Black and white is always a striking combination, but adding some purple really makes it pop. I like to use a warmer hue of purple – such as berry instead of lavender – to complement the wood furniture. Those simple silhouette drawings of everyday items look great in black frames. Another example of homemade artwork that’s really affordable and brings a distinctive graphic element into your room design!

ONE ROOM, THREE WAYS: BATHROOM

Don’t Break the Bank on Loo Redo

The bath is one of the busiest rooms in the home, so it’s also a popular target for remodeling and upgrades.  A National Kitchen and Bath Association report says Americans spend $80 million annually on bathroom renovations.
 
But, you can put on a show without blowing all your dough with some simple accessory swap-outs, a bit of paint and some imagination. Check out these three looks for a little inspiration. The designs are all built around the same étagère (that’s just a fancy word for shelf). Which bathroom is your favorite?

1. Natural Style – This modern, earthy-inspired bathroom pops without overpowering against crisp, clean white surfaces and fixtures. The étagère is in its original dark wood finish and the vibrant lime and woodsy browns go together like leaves and bark. Touches include a ceramic log-shaped stool, sculptural paper-mache birds, and a pair of faux bois sconces (faux bois is French for false wood). I framed the mirror with salvaged wood and chose a shower curtain with a tree silhouette to complete the nature theme.

2. Retro Style – Bathroom décor is actually a great place to be fearless with color. This coral Kool-Aid shade certainly has impact. The turquoise sconces bring a contrasting accent color along with white-on-white wainscoting and accessories. I painted the étagère white, too. White makes everything look so coordinated and clean! To up the funk factor, I put some bath soaps in a footed bowl and chose a clear acrylic stool/magazine rack



3. High Style – Shiny and monochromatic shades of black and charcoal create an effect of drama and glamour. I painted the étagère black to go along with the sconces that are draped with black crystals for a bit of glitz. A desk tray is repurposed to organize toiletries and an ornate, oversized mirror fits in nicely with this style as does the shower curtain, bathmat and accessories. A different kind of acrylic stool adds an offbeat shape and handy resting spot.